Guide to Using Wicked Edge (WEPS) Chosera and Shapton Stones

For those who are unfamiliar with the Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener (WEPS), its design delivers an extremely precise edge in a wide range of angles with ease. The stock WEPS platform comes standard with 100, 200, 400 and 600 grit diamond plates. Before going any further, it must first be clearly stated that the stock diamond plates that are supplied with the WEPS are ideal for repairs, maintenance, (re)profiling, and for creating very respectable working edges. It is highly recommended that WEPS owners first become familiar with using the stock diamond plates before branching out to any of the after market WEPS products, including the Chosera and Shapton stones along with the various compounds. As with all sharpening methods, there is a learning curve, and mistakes will be made along the way. Once a sufficient/comfortable mastery of the WEPS is obtained, the Choseras and Shaptons compliment the WEPS diamond plates, adding a huge amount of diversity to the already capable WEPS platform. More information about the WEPS and its products can be found on the Wicked Edge USA website: www.wickededgeusa.com

OK, so once you have a solid foundation on your WEPS, understand the basics of sharpening, and have run out of knives in the neighborhood to sharpen, the next question is “What else is there?”

For those people who just want a sharp knife, with no frills, and no complications, you won’t need anything else. But for those who have been bitten by the sharpening bug, the answer is Choseras and Shaptons for the WEPS! (These options are just the beginning, too. The WEPS has so much potential for versatility!)

With new products come new questions:

1. What makes the Choseras and Shaptons so special?

2. What is the best step to a Chosera or Shapton WEPS stone after the stock WEPS diamond plates?

3. How does the different thickness of theChosera or Shapton WEPS stones affect the angles?

4. How do I use and maintain myChosera or Shapton WEPS stones?

5. Why is the feedback so different on my Chosera stones?

Question 1: What makes the Choseras and Shaptons so special?

Choseras and Shaptons are the top-most quality synthetic stones on the market, and were previously only available in the full size stones. Think of them as Ferrari and Lamborghini in the synthetic stone world. They range in grits from #120 grit (120 microns) to #30,000 grit (0.5 microns). Not only do these stones extend the upper range of the WEPS plates and stones (since you need to switch to strops and paddles after the WEPS ceramic 1200/1600 stones), they are like adding Nitrous Oxide to your WEPS hot rod.

Different abrasives also abrade differently. The WEPS diamond plates are ideal for the hardest of specialty steels that are sometimes used in knife making. However, most knife steel types on the market do not require the use of diamonds in order to sharpen/abrade them. (Click here for a basic explanation of different abrasive groups, written by Knife Forum member PCM81). Diamonds abrade fast, wear slowly, and are not renewable (meaning they don’t expose fresh layers of abrasive as they wear). They also scratch more deeply than other types of abrasives of the same size. Choseras and Shaptons are renewable, and are made of Aluminum Oxide abrasive particles. While the Chosera and Shapton abrasives are still very hard, they break down at a different rate and scratch differently than diamonds, thus changing the resulting edge. When you start mixing in the effects of the different abrasives, their shapes, and a stone’s binders and matrices, things quickly get complicated.

Basically, results do vary from sharpening medium to medium even though they may have the same abrasive types or particle sizes. You will find that edges finished on 0.5 micron Shapton stones, 0.5 Mono Diamond paste, 0.5 micron H.A. Mono Diamond spray, 0.5 Poly Diamond spray, and 0.5 micron CBN spray, are all slightly different – some slice more smoothly while others tend to give an edge more grip. As you go further down the sharpening rabbit hole, it’s these minor, yet tangible differences that will give you exactly the type of edge you desire, and with the addition of the Choseras and Shaptons, the WEPS is now even more capable of delivering it.

Question 2: What is the best step to a Chosera or Shapton stone after the stock WEPS diamond plates?

Of course, the answer to any sharpening question is “it depends” . However, there are some terms that first need to be defined in regards to the grit rating systems that the WEPS uses and that of the Choseras and Shaptons. The WEPS diamond plates and ceramic stones use the ANSI grit rating system, then switches over to abrasive sizes in microns (μ) for the diamond pastes, and the Hand American and Ken Schwartz products. A micron is equivalent to one millionth of a meter, or 1/25,000 of an inch (25.4 microns = .001 inch ≈ #500 grit JIS). The Choseras use the New Japanese Standard (JIS), and Shapton Pros use the JIS standard while the Shapton Glass stones use both abrasive sizes by microns and their corresponding JIS numbers.

It’s a little confusing at the beginning, but becomes second nature after a few run-ins with it.

To make life a lot easier, below is a grit comparison chart using the abrasive sizes measured in microns as a common denominator. The chart is an approximate comparison at best. Actual results will vary due mostly to stone/plate performance and characteristics, and the user’s ability to maximize a given stone’s, plate’s or strop’s potential – but it is a good reference point to gain a firm grounding in the different grit systems and what the numbers all roughly mean in relationship to each other. I’ve tried to “line up” the grits of the Choseras and Shaptons with those of the WEPS stones on the far left. I also put the WEPS current product line into perspective based on their corresponding micron sizes. A full size version of the chart can be found here.

As the chart shows, coming off the #600 WEPS diamond plate, the nearest Chosera would be the #800 and the nearest Shapton Pro would be the 1K. This is a very good lateral move from the WEPS #600 because the coarser diamond plates tend to leave some deeper scratches that are often only revealed at higher levels of refinement (which often come back to haunt us as micro chipping). Due to the different abrasives and stone matrices, the Chosera #800 and Shapton 1K are excellent for removing those deeper scratches while preparing the surface of the metal for all finer grits. The 1K Chosera and #1,500 Shapton would be excellent as a step forward in the progression after the WEPS 600 plate. While these stones may be the slightest bit slower at removing metal, they leave better finishes for the next level.

For faster “cleaning up”, the Chosera #400 and/or #600 and the Shapton #220 and/or #320 will make quick work of establishing very consistent and even scratches. Even though these can be argued as being “steps back”, these stones should not be dismissed because they can actually speed up the sharpening process as a whole – especially if you are a perfectionist.

While there are other lateral moves from WEPS products to Choseras and Shaptons highlighted on the chart, I’m not addressing those moves further at this time because these are technically all already accessories. These will be addressed in future posts along with discussions and recommendations for Chosera and Shapton stone progressions.

Question 3: How does the different thickness of theChosera or Shapton WEPS stones affect the angles?

The Chosera and Shapton stones are 5-6mm thick, and that thickness will slowly reduce over time. They are also mounted to an aluminum blank, which allows for the stones to be used until there is nothing left. Consequently, this will change the actual angles of the paddles from those marked on the wings of the WEPS, and will require slight tweaking with each stone and paddle change.

Accounting for these changes isn’t as difficult as it may seem. A simple angle finder or angle cube (view Google search results) will take care of most of the headache. There is also the age-old Sharpie trick, where you “color” the bevel or edge with the sharpie, and adjust the angle of the WEPS arms until abrading removes the ink from the bevel and the edge. I personally like the better precision and speed the angle cube offers. Either way, it is best at this stage to “flip” the collars of the WEPS arms around so that the screw tightens to the smooth side of the wings. You can also flip the wings around from underneath the knife clamp.

As for actual numbers and degrees of differences, there is a rundown of my WEPS stock diamond plates and my Choseras below. I positioned one WEPS arm in the 20 degree pivot hole and measured each of the WEPS stock diamond plates and then measured my Chosera stones with the arm in the same position. Before interpreting the results, please note that except for the #400 grit, my Chosera stones had been used and lapped on several occasions prior to measuring the angles. The angle cube I use also advertises accuracy within +/- 0.10 degrees.

WEPS vs. Chosera Angle Comparison Chart

As the chart shows, the added thickness of the Choseras translates into a more shallow angle by roughly 2.5 degrees. However, the WEPS stocks and my Choseras were all within a .15 degree tolerance – quite acceptable in my opinion, as there is no such thing as absolute precision in sharpening – especially once you take into account stone and plate wear (trust me – I’m a propeller head when it comes to my guided sharpening devices ). You can also see that the minute adjustments needed for the Chosera stones (once your ~2.5 degree change is made) are not any different than those of the stock WEPS plates.

Question 4: How do I use and maintain my Chosera or Shapton WEPS stones?

The Chosera and Shapton WEPS stones work best when wet. Otherwise, they work exactly the same as the diamond plates.

To prepare the Choseras for use, it is easiest to place the stones in a small container with about 1-2 mm of water (do not use oil at all with the Choseras or the Shaptons). Do not submerge the paddles completely in water as any water that gets inside the holes for the arms can cause suction and hinder the smooth operation of the paddles. Letting them soak for 5-10 minutes is usually more than enough, and they will not dry out so readily once properly soaked. During use, it’s best to use a small spray bottle of water to keep the stones wet and to clean off swarf.

The Shaptons are “splash and go” meaning they require no soaking, just a small spray bottle with water to wet the surface and they are ready to go. Again, using a small spray bottle of water helps to keep the stones clean during use.

Traditional images of water stones may have you thinking that there will be swarf and puddles of water everywhere – but this is not the case. After initial soaking of the Choseras, there are only the single spritzes of water from a spray bottle. There will be some accumulation of water and some runoff of swarf, but it is only a wet version of the “dust” that the WEPS produces with dry stones. Putting a shop rag under the WEPS base should contain any water and runoff. (Be on the lookout for a waterproof base in the future, too).

The Choseras and Shapton stones will wear with use. They will naturally begin to dish in the middle. In order to keep any changes in angles to a minimum and the stones in optimum working contidion, the stones will need to be lapped, or flattened. Lapping after each session is probably the easiest and fastest. There are many options for flattening, including wet/dry sandpaper, DMT plates, Atoma Plates, and Shapton Lapping plates, etc.. Since there are two stones of each grit for the WEPS, dishing is kept to a minimum, and maintenance is quick. Lapping these stones is easy- simply draw a grit with a pencil and rub the stones on the lapping medium (with water) with light and even pressure until the grid lines are gone.

Question 5: Why is the feedback so different on my Chosera and Shapton stones?

Like everything new, there will be a learning curve with these stones. You’ll most likely be too heavy-handed the first few times, trying to match to aggressiveness and weight of the stock diamond plates. The Chosera and Shapton stones feel much smoother and lighter than the stock WEPS diamond plates, overall. After a few knives, you’ll begin to trust the stones and you can lighten up on the touch.

The best way to acclimate yourself to the Chosera and Shaptons is to use them a few times without first using the WEPS diamond stones. This gives a more “clear” feeling rather than coming straight off the diamond plates. Do as you would normally do with the WEPS, first working one side until a burr forms, then work the other side.

Conclusion

I’m sure there will be a lot more to discuss about the Chosera and Shapton WEPS stones in the future. This introduction is admittedly only the top-most tip of the iceberg. The fun part is choosing idea progressions that center around the type of steel and the type of edge you want for a given knife. I will be addressing that, and other things in future posts. In the mean time, if there are any other questions concerning the Chosera and Shapton WEPS stones, you can ask questions through the blog, or you can find me over at the knife forums in the Keeping Sharp area as jendeindustries. There is a wealth of information and some very talented sharpeners over there (and we all get along! ). I hope to see some of you there real soon!

8 Responses to “Guide to Using Wicked Edge (WEPS) Chosera and Shapton Stones”

That’s a tough question – really. A short answer is here, but I will be writing a larger one in the future.

Basically, both systems are excellent, full service devices that can handle repairs, profiling, and maintenance, that are fully supported by their owners. So in that regard, they are on equal ground, IMO. It really depends on what your focus is – for example price, precision, portability, flexibility, etc.

[…] Wicked Edge (WEPS) Chosera Stone Progressions…So Many Possibilities! By Jende Industries If you’re new to using the Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener (WEPS) or are considering Chosera stones for the WEPS, please be sure to read the introductory guide first, found here. […]

1. The WEPS diamond and ceramic micron sizes are based on the ANSI grit rating system. When making the comparisons between systems, it is difficult to determine the exact sizes in microns because many manufacturers don’t advertise them. Therefore, the WEPS OEM diamond plates and ceramic stones are approximations at best. They are within reason, though.

2+3. Basically, different abrasives abrade differently. Diamonds are much harder, and can cut much deeper – you can see how deeply the WEPS 100 and 200 scratch, which is actually an advantage for stock metal removal. The differences of the pictures between the 600WEPS to 800 Chosera is also evidence of the different results. The Chosera 800’s scratches aren’t as deep as the 600 WEPS (the 2 micron difference is negligible at this level, IMO), and the breakdown of the stone adds a level of polish as evidenced by the blue and red sparkles. More shallow scratches (and more consistent bevels) make the resulting edge stronger, in general. One major difference between different abrasives is their resulting edges – diamonds, ceramic, aluminum oxide, chromium oxide, silicone carbide, boron carbide and cubic boron nitride, etc., etc., all leave different edges. You also have to factor in the results of abrasive concentrations, and the effects of how and when the stone matrix release their abrasive – in this case, paste on leather vs. stones, and the ceramic WEPS vs. the Chosera 5K.😀 The bottom line is that you can utilize different types of edges for different situations – for example, if you wanted more aggression, diamonds generally give you that, and edges finished with Choseras have edges better suited for slicing. There is no “perfect” answer, but having the options is lots of fun!

Found your blog by Google. Nice, thorough write-up on the WEPS (which I’d never heard of).

I’m quite confused by the “WEPS Stones / ANSI” column on your grit conversion chart, though. It seems to be loaded with all kinds of things that have nothing to do with the ANSI standard (e.g. anything listed in microns), and according to a 3M chart that I have, 1000 grit should fall between 9 and 10 micron, not at 7.

The WEPS column reflects all of the options that were available for the WEPS at the time of publishing the post. Because of the potential confusion between the ANSI and micron rated products, I chose to arrange all of the products by their relative micron/grit size. This also helps with the “big picture” when factoring in the Japanese standards for the Shaptons and Choseras.

As for the ANSI vs. micron numbers, you must leave room for some margin of error or you’ll go crazy! Many manufacturers, no matter which standard they use, don’t disclose actual sizes in microns. Even when they do, they don’t necessarily line up, and not all same grit stones are necessarily using the exact same particle size. Another recent unified chart, here shows just how wild the grit rating numbers are when compared to their micron sizes. There are 6 different products marked “120”, and not one of them is the same in micron size!

[…] for the different thickness between the Choseras stones and the stock WEPS. (Read more about that here). I also go through the 3 different strokes that I use on the WEPS – Circles, Scrubbing, and […]